Modular intermodal cargo Containers used to serve primarily for transporting massive amounts of manufactured goods across oceans. But an ongoing imbalance in trade volume between Asia and North America contributes to a surplus of these huge corrugated metal boxes around ports in the United States. And as shipping containers become ubiquitous, architects are increasingly incorporating them into creative buildings.

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California architect Peter DeMaria is one of those who has been designing buildings crafted from recycled and modified cargo containers.

He explains: "Labor and material costs here in California have risen dramatically over the past six years, so I began to explore alternative materials/ methods as a way of keeping control over construction costs."